Many NBA superstars have matched their high-flying on-court theatrics with equally eye-catching real estate acquisitions.
Considering the average NBA salary is over $5 million, which in itself buys a lot of house most anywhere in North America, there are few limitations for league-leading players looking to make a splash in the housing market. And, oh, how they do.
Here are eight ridiculously luxurious abodes that at one time or another have been home to some of the league’s biggest names, from the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James to the legendary Michael Jordan.
Stephen Curry’s sunny Spanish hacienda
Golden State Warriors MVP Stephen Curry’s breezy, ivory-traced stucco home, rebuilt in 2008, has fine finishings and architectural touches throughout: high vaulted ceilings, hand-troweled plaster walls, and hickory floors, to name a few. Try your hand at winemaking at the hobby vineyard, or kick back in a limestone tub. All this — including a rat-proof basement! — be yours for $3,895,000.
Kobe Bryant’s “magnificent Mediterranean” mansion
A fierce competitor, apparently recently-retired Lakers legend Kobe Bryant also likes that quality in pets. His one-time Newport Coast, California, abode (it sold in May 2015 for just over $6 million) has a shark tank stowed in its combination office/library, an old listing reveals. The 8,500-square-foot place also contains a less-menacing hair salon, 850-square-foot gym, wet bar, and high-tech theater.
Chris Bosh’s Pacific Palisades palace
If the best revenge really is living well, then Raptors’ fans are out of luck. Since Chris Bosh’s departure to sunny Miami — and a crack at a championship with the Heat — he’s done some impressive real estate dealing, not least of all buying (then selling) this Pacific Palisades, California, property. A vertigo-inducing infinity pool provides a clear sightline of the Pacific, the perfect vantage point from which to reflect on savvy career moves.
Larry Bird’s tiki-tinged home
Besides dominating on the court, Celtics’ luminary Larry Bird has tried his hand at teambuilding — and homebuilding. The Pacers’ current president of basketball operations had a roughly 6,000-square-foot home in Naples, Florida, currently selling for $4.6 million, built from scratch to include a full-service bar with saltwater aquarium, gourmet kitchen and an infinity pool and tiki hut facing Venetian Bay.
DeMar DeRozan’s personal athletes’ village
For about $3.7 million, around a third of his current annual salary, Raptor’s shooting guard DeMar DeRozan bought this hedged-in SoCal home in 2014. It’s virtually a personal athletes’ village; you’ll find an expansive outdoor sports court and large pool (with a waterslide) on a secluded acre-plus Mulholland Park lot.
Tyson Chandler’s equine estate
There’s a certain logic to a defensive specialist like the Phoenix Suns’ Tyson Chandler living in a sealed-off hillside ‘hood — but the all star put his gated Hidden Hills, California, digs on the market this year. Available for $8,995,000, the hefty price tag nets you a massive 11,959-square-foot pad with a “detached man cave.” Outside, you’ll find an open-air kitchen, equestrian facilities and a rose garden.
LeBron James’ Coconut Grove retreat
During his stint in Miami, Lebron James snapped up this bayside Coconut Grove mansion, then sold it for a cool $13.4 million after returning to the Cavs. The poolside patio, with its gaudy, technicolor LED lamps, is as flashy as James on the court. The interior of the 13,930-square-foot dwelling, on the other hand, is uncharacteristically muted (see for yourself), as is the home’s locale, tucked away from the action of Miami Beach.
Michael Jordan’s iconic Chicago mansion
For $14,855,000, this 56,000-square-foot piece of memorabilia could be yours. The hulking nine-bedroom, 15-bathroom Chicago estate at 2700 Point Lane boasts a pool pavilion, putting green, games rooms, wine cellar, humidor, complete gym, and of course, a full-size regulation basketball court that Air Jordan himself logged hours on (take a video tour).
